Course Policies
Grading:
I grade by a standard 100-point grading scale. 90-100=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60=D, below 60 and results in course failure. Grades are earned, not given. This means you should not expect an A by simply completing all course assignments and showing up for class. A's are reserved for surprior work. Here is a fuller breakdown:
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A work is considered superior or excellent. The student demonstrates deep critical thinking.
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B work is above average. It still meets the standards of A work but may not have the same level of excellence or consistency.
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C work indicates satisfactory, college-level work.
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D and F grades represent work that is below college level
Attendance:
The attendance policy is that there is no distinction between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. Every student is allowed a maximum of 3 absences. Any absence over that number will count directly against your final grade. Your grade will be lower by half a letter grade (.5%) for every absence starting with your fourth. More than six classes will result in automatic failure of the course.
There is no need to alert me of an upcoming absence. You may send an email as a courtesy, but please do not ask me to provide you with material that you missed. If you are absent on a day when written work is due, you are still responsible for completing the assignment. If it is not an online assignment, you should either send it with a classmate or email it to me as an attachment before the start of class. Please rely on your classmates to provide you with notes and announcements that you miss. You should also regularly check Blackboard and the course website for current information. I will not make an exception regarding an assignment because you were not in class when it was assigned or changed.
Student Code of Conduct:
USM’s policy is that students conduct themselves in a respectful manner in keeping with the academic environment. Among other things, this means maintaining polite discourse in class discussion and a non-combative attitude with both the instructor and fellow classmates. I reserve the right to ask any student not adhering to this behavior to leave the classroom and/or to drop the course.
USM Writing Center:
All students can benefit from crafting multiple drafts of an essay and visiting the USM Writing Center. As stated on their website, “The Writing Center is a free tutorial service available to any USM student who wants assistance with a writing project. We offer one-on-one writing instruction that’s designed to help you become a more effective writer. This tutorial service is offered on a walk-in basis or by appointment (on the hour for 45 minutes). However, the appointments often book up several days in advance, so making an appointment is always a good idea.” The Writing Center is located in Cook Library. Appointments can be scheduled by phoning (601) 266-4821 or by vising their website located at http://www.usm.edu/writing-center.
Late work:
Blogs and quizzes are due on Blackboard by 12 a.m. each Tuesday and/or Thursday. A blog or quiz will not be considered (or available to be submitted) after these deadlines.
Other, major assignments turned in late will be lowered one letter grade per day the assignment is late. The same rule applies for all assignments submitted electronically.
Helpful advice: Backup all writing and major assignments using google drive (it is free) or Dropbox (it is also free). If you are having trouble completing an assignment, email me or visit me during my office hours at least two days in advance of the assignment deadline.
Required Text:
Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace, 3rd Edition, Laura J. Gurak & John M. Lannon
Additional Readings:
Online and through Blackboard
Plagarism
All members of the academic community at the University of Southern Mississippi are expected to take responsibility for academic honesty and integrity. Plagiarism – the willful copying/presenting of another person’s work as if it were your own – and other forms of cheating are unacceptable. The penalties for such behavior can include failure of the course and, in some cases, even expulsion from the university. If you have any doubts about what constitutes plagiarism, please refer to your student handbook, to USM policies on Academic Honesty, or come talk to me.
ADA Notice
If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies.
Address:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Office for Disability Accommodations
118 College Drive # 8586
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Voice Telephone: 601.266.5024 or 228. 214.3232 Fax: 601. 266.6035
Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay Service at 1.800.582.2233 (TTY) or e-mail Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.
Digital Etiquette:
All cell phones and/or other devices (iPods, etc.) should be turned off before you enter the classroom. If I see anyone sending text messages during class, I will provide one warning and then mark you absent. You will see the absence reflected on the class attendance sheet, but I will not otherwise alert you to it. This means it is important for you to understand that repeated cellphone use in class results directly in absence from the day’s class (no matter how long you have been present before the call or text).
You may use a laptop or tablet to refer to readings or take notes in class. However, to be clear: you may not use these devices to follow a game, check your friends’ statuses on Facebook, respond to email, post a Tweet, etc. Such activities distract you and anyone around or behind you. If you often seem distracted by your device, I will ask you to put it away, perhaps for the semester. If the problem continues, I will ask you to leave class for the day; this will count as an absence.
Email:
I am happy to correspond with you via email. I try to respond to email queries within 24-48 hours. Before you contact me, however, please make sure the information you are seeking can’t be located on this website or the class's Blackboard site. Check the syllabus or ask one of your classmates first. When writing emails, students should conform to acceptable email etiquette and use a salutation, correct language, and a closing with their full name.